Family Support Specialist

Youth Villages•Clarksville, TN

2d•$52,000 - $60,000

About The Position

For over 35 years, Youth Villages has transformed the lives of children and families nationwide through innovative, research-based programs focused on preserving and restoring families. As a national leader in children’s mental and behavioral health, we serve more than 47,000 youth, young people, and their families annually across 29 states and Washington, D.C. Our proven treatment models drive long-term success in child welfare, juvenile justice, and mental health systems. At Youth Villages, we do what works — partnering with others to expand our impact and advocate for meaningful, lasting change. We're seeking purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about making a difference. With a dedicated team of more than 5,000 staff, Youth Villages is committed to investing in and supporting our employees by offering opportunities to build a fulfilling career through professional growth, personal development, and a mission that matters— helping children and families live successfully. For more information, please visit www.youthvillages.org Program Overview: In partnership with Tennessee's Department of Children's Services (DCS), Youth Villages provides family-centered, strength-based services to youth from birth to age 18 through the Family Support Services (FSS) program. Focused on delivering case management services, non-custodial families are referred by other DCS program areas, juvenile courts, or self-referral. Staff provide on-call crisis support, identify services and resources tailored to each family’s unique needs, and utilize formal and informal assessments for case planning. Goals include increasing stability, strengthening relationships, building self-sufficiency, and enhancing well-being and permanency.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in social services field (required)
Degrees that can be considered include: social work, drug and alcohol education or counseling, psychology, criminal justice, guidance counseling, or marriage and family therapy (others subject to review)
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
Basic computer knowledge
Ability to maintain a flexible schedule
Applicants must possess a current, valid driver’s license, an automobile for work purposes, and proof of auto insurance.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a social services discipline (preferred)
Experience with the Foster Care System and/or DCS (preferred)
Clinical experience and/or case management (preferred)

Responsibilities

Carries a caseload of approximately 20 cases
Conducts home and site visits at least 2 times per month to assess and address safety concerns
Learns DCS policies that guide care and services for youth and families
Provides case management and care coordination services to youth and families
Facilitates the forward progress of the youth’s treatment and ensures the youth is in the least restrictive setting that is safely possible
Ensures intensity of services to maintain children stay with caregivers with the goal of avoiding an out-of-home placement
Gathers pertinent assessment information using clinical skills, critical thinking, and problem solving to assess areas of risk and applies appropriate intervention or services to each situation
Attends various meetings as an advocate for the youth and family (including but not limited to: team meetings, court hearings, and school meetings)
Ensures all medical, dental, and educational needs are met and accurately documented
Provides on-call crisis support to the youth and family (schedules vary by location)
Attends 3 weekly meetings (individual, team, and clinical consultation) for professional development to help enhance clinical skills
Completes accurate and timely documentation in an electronic medical record system (EMR)
Performs other duties as assigned